Albert Bandura Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory is one theory, which supports that media violence influence aggressive behaviors. This theory can be best explained by the study carried out by Albert Bandura (Bandura, 1979). In this study, two groups of children were made to observe adults playing with a doll, one group watched adults playing violently with the doll while the other group watched the adults play with the dolls non-violently. When left alone with the doll, the group who has observed adults playing violently displays violence behavior towards the doll as well. This study, therefore, suggests that behavior is learned through the observations of models. In another study on hockey players, it is found that media has a huge influence on them. These behaviors

Using the study above, the participants of the study have subsequently also demonstrated other ways of inflicting violence to the doll that was not shown to them (Bandura, Adams & Beyer, 1977). In the topic of media violence, this will suggest that media violence can only influence the behaviors or thoughts of individual to a certain extent such as exposing them to aggressive behaviors that they might not be aware of. Some factors of why they display aggressive behaviors may have in fact come from primal instinct or other factors. This can be noted from the children who have come up with their own form of violent acts toward the doll that is not

Culture means different things to people all over the world, as there is many difference ideas or practices that are unique to the race or nation of people. These ideas or practices will shape the way people react and their behaviors. Therefore, the level of aggression felts by the particular individual or nation might be different to others. Since culture is embedded since young, (Filip et al., 2016) it will play a part in the behavior of how we deal with a problem. In one study they have shown that weapon pictures or words will automatically provoke aggressive thoughts (Anderson et al. 1998). This would affect the level of aggression if the nation is used to seeing weapons or guns and has over time been desensitized. They could commit in aggressive behaviors thinking it is the norm as everyone else is doing it. Studies have concluded that individuals in the west are more individualistic (Mesoudi, Magid & Hussain, 2016). Study on individualistic lifestyle has proven that participants are more aggressive and frustrated when asked to complete a task than the same study conducted on collectivist who has shown more positive emotions and behaviors (Zubair & Tahir, 2010). This can be seen that certain cultures or way of life does promote aggressiveness without being aware of it. Furthermore, there is gender-based aggression, which can be seen in countries that promote